flash flood, Texas and Kerr County
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President Trump tours Texas flood damage
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State officials said rescue efforts in Central Texas following devastating flooding continue, emphasizing the state's continued commitment to recovery.
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The Texas Tribune on MSNDid fiscal conservatism block plans for a new flood warning system in Kerr County?In the last nine years, federal funding for a system has been denied to the county as it contends with a tax base hostile to government overspending.
As families and search crews sift through debris, mangled trees and toppled vehicles in Kerr County after the catastrophic Fourth of July flooding, authorities are facing growing questions about whether enough warnings were issued.
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A "Basic Plan" for emergency response for three Texas counties labeled flash flooding as having a "major" impact on public safety, according to a page on a city website.
Kerr County applied for federal grants to build a warning system to protect residents from flash floods. Under the Trump administration, that kind of funding is drying up.
KXAN Austin on MSN1d
Kerr County warned about 'monstrous and devastating flash floods'While Kerr County officials say they didn't know how bad the July 4 flooding would be, it warned residents nearly eight years ago to "be flood aware" about the ongoing potential for "monstrous and devastating flash floods.
At a Wednesday morning press conference, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha declined to answer a question about delayed emergency alerts, saying that an "after-action" would follow the search and rescue efforts. "Those questions are gonna be answered," he added.
Kerr County repeatedly failed to secure a warning system, even as local officials remained aware of the risks and as billions of dollars were available for similar projects.